Will County Driver's License Lawyer for Lifetime Revocations

Attorney Serving Joliet and Plainfield Explains How to Get a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) After 4 DUIs

If your driver's license was permanently revoked many years ago, you may not realize that Illinois law changed in 2016. Today, even with a lifetime revocation on your record, you may qualify for a restricted driving permit (RDP).

You may have suffered through a rough time when drinking and driving got you in a lot of trouble. But if you have turned your life around and achieved long-term sobriety, you may have earned the right to legally drive again. Even the right to drive to a limited set of "necessary" places will make it much easier for you to work and support your family.

At the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C., you will find all the support you need to apply for and win your RDP. We will lead you through the entire process, including the all-important Secretary of State hearing where your fate will be decided. You can count on us to help you prepare the best possible documentation and present a strong, persuasive case at your hearing.

Conditions of Illinois Driver's License Lifetime Revocation

The Illinois Secretary of State will revoke your driver's license for life when you have four convictions, including out-of-state convictions, for any combination of these offenses: driving under the influence (DUI), leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, or reckless homicide.

You cannot legally drive at all for at least five years after the lifetime revocation effective date or your release from prison, whichever is later.

After those five years have passed, you may qualify for a restricted driving permit (RDP) but will have to meet very strict conditions.

Requirements to Drive Again After Lifetime Revocation in Illinois

The conditions to obtain an RDP after a lifetime ban are defined in Illinois law 625 ILCS 5/6-206(c)(3)(F) and section 1001-420 of the Illinois administrative code.

You must appear at a formal Secretary of State hearing and show "by clear and convincing evidence":

• Uninterrupted abstinence from both alcohol and unprescribed controlled substances for at least three consecutive years. This applies regardless of your risk level and alcohol/drug dependence assessment.
• Ongoing abstinence by those classified High-Risk Dependent. Other classifications must demonstrate non-problematic alcohol use and abstinence from illegal drugs.
• Successful completion of rehabilitative treatment and involvement in an ongoing support/recovery program as recommended by a recent drug/alcohol evaluation.
• Proof of undue hardship, including the necessary locations you must travel to and the lack of reasonable alternative means of transportation.

In determining whether to grant you an RDP, the hearing officer may consider any relevant evidence including testimony, affidavits, records, and the results of regular alcohol or drug tests.

Disqualifications for RDP After Lifetime Revocation

• If more than one of your convictions involved drugs, you will not be eligible for an RDP because the existing "blow to drive" devices cannot test for drug impairment.
• If you are classified as high risk and alcohol dependent, your RDP will be canceled if you admit to drinking or, obviously, if you are caught drinking. You must re-establish three years of uninterrupted abstinence from your relapse date before you can re-apply.
• If you are convicted of another DUI, your RDP will be revoked and you can never re-apply.

BAIID Requirements for RDP After Lifetime Revocation

• You must have a BAIID installed in all vehicles registered in your name solely or jointly for your driving lifetime.
• You may only operate vehicles equipped with a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) and must pay both the BAIID vendor and required state monitoring fees.
• There are no exceptions to the requirement that you drive only BAIID-equipped vehicles, not even for an employer-provided vehicle driven solely for job-related purposes.
• If you operate a non-BAIID-equipped vehicle or drive for any unauthorized reason, the Secretary of State may revoke your RDP or amend its conditions.

Keeping Your RDP

• Your RDP will be good for just one year at a time.
• You will have to appear at a Secretary of State office for an informal hearing each year to renew it.
• You will have to show updated proof for the hardship requirement each year.

Illinois Lifetime Revocation Lawyer Serving Morris and Yorkville

You have waited years, perhaps even decades, to become eligible to drive again. Make sure you are fully prepared for your Secretary of State hearing. Contact the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. at 815-666-1285. From our two convenient offices in Joliet and Plainfield, Illinois, we serve clients in Will County, Grundy County, Kendall County, Yorkville, Morris, and surrounding areas.